Kaden’s story

Kaden Bramley, aged 14, has SMA Type II, which is a rare genetic neuromuscular condition. This means his muscles are seriously weakened, which affects his mobility. Kaden and his mum, Mel, tell their story.

“When Kaden was born, a lot of my friends had children at the same time. Kaden was my first child and I noticed that he wasn’t getting to any of the milestones that the other babies were.

“At 16 months, he couldn’t stand up or walk. He was referred to Sheffield Children’s Hospital, and had lots of tests, including a spinal fluid and muscle biopsy. Just before his third birthday we were told that he had SMA Type II. I’d never heard of it, and I couldn’t stop crying; my whole world collapsed.

“We already knew about Bluebell Wood, because my cousin’s baby had SMA Type I and had end-of-life care there. I didn’t know what to think when we first visited, but as soon as we walked through the doors, I saw how nice it was.

“We used to stay at the hospice on short breaks as a family, with his four younger brothers; Kalen, Keirron, Mason and Harley. The boys really loved going, they could run round the gardens, play in the ball pool and just have loads of fun. One year, we stayed at Easter and had a huge egg hunt round the gardens.

“Now Kaden’s older, he stays on his own at Bluebell Wood. This means he gets time on his own, and he’s made some really close friends there, as he’s part of the teenage group. It gives him time in a place with other children of the same age who are experiencing similar things to him.

“It sounds simple, but one of the things he looks forward to doing at Bluebell Wood is having a bath. At home, we have a walk-in shower, but at Bluebell Wood there’s a hoist to help him get into the bath, which really lets him relax.”

Kaden adds “I love going to Bluebell Wood, and sometimes don’t want to come home when I’m there! The best things are the Jacuzzi, cinema room, and painting. I love having lots of banter with all the staff about football, as I’m a Sheffield Wednesday fan. There’s always loads to do and the food’s delicious too.”

Mel says, “There’s no place like Bluebell Wood. It’s so welcoming and means so much to Kaden. It’s improved his confidence and he just loves spending time there. Thank you so much to everyone who donates; your money really does make such a difference.”

Tilly has hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, which means she didn’t get enough oxygen to her brain when she was born. Now she comes to Bluebell Wood with her mum, Rebecca, and her big brother, Gabriel, where she loves meeting new people and relaxing in the spa pool.

William is Paul and Michelle’s ‘miracle boy’. Before he was born he had a stroke and spent the first nine months of his life in hospital. Despite facing so many challenges, William has never stopped smiling, and he loves coming to Bluebell Wood.

Mia was a happy, bubbly nine-year-old who was always on the go. In August 2018 she was diagnosed with a rare condition where the body reacts aggressively to an infection, and she died eight days later. Her family spend valuable time together at Bluebell Wood after she passed away.

Four month old Lily died at Bluebell Wood in February 2017 after being born with a rare heart condition. Her mum and dad, Ella and Ryan, call the hospice their lifeline, and they still visit with their son, Oliver.

Chester and Rhianna were born at just 26 weeks old in 2009, and they spent their first year in hospital fighting for their lives. Chester has brain damage and Hirschsprung disease, which means he can’t pass poo normally, and now visits Bluebell Wood for short breaks. His mum and dad, Lisa and Ian, tell his story:

Charlotte Lee calls daughter Gracie her snow baby. Born in January 2009 following a healthy pregnancy, Gracie’s arrival was a few months after young Sheffield mum Charlotte had received the surprise but welcome news that she was expecting. However, over the next few years Gracie had some developmental issues, which led to a sad discovery.

Olivia is a bubbly, chatty teenager who loves singing, and all things Harry Potter. She lives in Sheffield with her mum and dad, Michelle and Russell, and her brothers, Harry and Finley, and loves spending time at Bluebell Wood.

You are the reason that children and families can create magical memories and make the most of their time together.
Your donations provide much needed funds to support our families, and to create memories that they will treasure forever.